Farming Under Solar: The Role of Shade
“Grass doesn’t grow under solar panels.”
Actually, it does.
“Grass doesn’t like the shade.”
Actually, it does. Indeed, there are very few plants that like full-day sun. Many native pasture species are cold-weather crops that are sensitive to too much heat and light.
Of course, there are always nuances. And, because I’m sure I’ll get at least one Debbier Downer, here’s my disclaimer: every single farm will work differently, especially when you’re dealing with different climates and crops.
But I want to call out a misconception: things don’t grow well on solar farms because there is shade.
**J&R Pierce Family Farm is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to allow sites to earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. I often link to Amazon when recommending certain products, and if you choose to purchase, I may earn a small percentage of the sale. It costs you nothing extra, and all recommended products are ones that I personally vouch for.**
Here, we’re seeing a record-breaking drought. We don’t typically see dry spells in upstate New York like our friends out West do, and so our native plants are generally those that prefer a lot more water than the plants you’ll find in more arid climates.
During the growing season, we tend to see more vegetative growth around and under panels simply because we get more rain.
This can present certain headaches for us (like hoof rot, parasites, and vegetative overgrowth).
But we are also blessed with an abundance of feed…when the weather cooperates, that is.
So far in August, minus one brief shower this week, we haven’t had any rain (July wasn’t great, either).
Things are getting crunchy. Farmers are running out of feed for their livestock.
So far, we’re okay; we owe that, in part, to the way the solar farms we graze hold water.
The images here don’t do it justice (it’s easier to see this in person, when the lighting isn’t so harsh), but the vegetation beneath the panels is a deeper green, and more lush, than that in the alleys.
I’m often told that dual-use doesn’t work in dry climates, as it does in the Northeast. Truth be told, it doesn’t work the *same* way - but it does work.
The University of Arizona published research in 2024 demonstrating that solar over crops provide shade, increase soil moisture, boost crop yields, and reduce water evaporation while also protecting plants from extreme heat and requiring less irrigation.
One Oregon State University study found that adding solar to the land quadrupled the water efficiency of pasture grass.
Agriculture accounts for more than 69% of all global water use, so any improvement to the way we use water is a big one.
Do we need solar panels over every single farm? No. But can they provide a benefit to the farmer, while maximizing the way we use resources? Yes.
One critic told me, “Grass will grow anywhere there is water” and suggested that we use shade cloth instead of solar panels.
Technically, that’s true. Shade cloth is great. Grass will grow where there is water.
But farming under solar isn’t just about taking advantage of the shade. There are so many other benefits, economically, environmentally, socially... Shade cloth can’t do it all.
And when there isn’t water, we need to make the most of what we have. Work smarter, not harder.
Want to learn more about raising sheep? Check out these featured articles!
Subscribe to our email newsletter for regular tips and tricks on homesteading and farming – wherever you are. You can also follow us on Instagram (@jrpiercefamilyfarm) and Pinterest (J&R Pierce Family Farm) for frequent updates. Happy farming!
